Pacific players really game

KEEN FOR EXPANSION

THEY helped revive international rugby league, now some of the game’s heavyweights including Josh Papalii and Jason Taumalolo have put their hands up to be part of the NRL’s inaugural Pasifika team.

The push for the NRL to make either PNG or a combined PNG/Pasifika the 18th team continues to gain momentum, with some of most influential players in the game showing an interest in joining the new side.

Taumalolo made headlines in 2017 when he opted out of playing for the Kiwis and played for Tonga which sparked an international resurgence. Papalii followed suit last year when he chose to play for Samoa instead of Australia at the World Cup.

Now Papalii has become the first high-profile player to publicly back the Pasifika’s bid for inclusion in the NRL. With plans afoot for the NRL to expand by 2026, Papalii is eyeing a rugby league swan song.

He has a deal with Canberra until the end of 2025 provided both parties pick up and a final year option meaning he will turn 34 in 2026.

“Bloody oath I would be keen,” Papalii said. “In saying that I’ll be 34-35 years old so they probably wouldn’t need me.

“But it would be massive for the Pasifika nations.”

Taumalolo’s monster 10year contract with the Cowboys does not expire until 2027. He will be 34 when his current deal ends.

Taumalolo’s manager Chris Orr, who brokered the Cowboys co-captain’s historic 10year contract in 2017, confirmed the Tongan torpedo’s interest in helping a Pasifika NRL team.

“I think a Pasifika team will generate plenty of interest,” said PSM director Orr.

“Players like Jase, who switched his representative allegiance to Tonga to build the game in the Pacific region, could very well be someone to put their hand up again as he is extremely passionate about developing the game.

“The Polynesian community is extremely important to the game of rugby league and any game development within the region should be supported.”

The likes of Api Koroisau, Maika Sivo, Haumole Olakau’atu and Tui Kamikamica are obvious potential targets for the new franchise with all their deals expiring at the end at the end of 2025.